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Wiaan Mulder At No.3? Batting Lineup Shake-Up On Cards For South Africa In WTC Final

Akshita Patel

Wiaan Mulder to be likely promoted in WTC final [Source: @PoppingCreaseSA/X.com]Wiaan Mulder to be likely promoted in WTC final [Source: @PoppingCreaseSA/X.com]

South Africa’s warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arundel has given fans a sneak peek into their likely batting line-up for the World Test Championship 2025 Final against Australia, set to take place on June 11 at Lord’s. One of the big talking points is the possible promotion of all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to the No.3 batting spot.

The innings started with Aiden Markram being dismissed for 13, but South Africa recovered well with fifties from Ryan Rickelton (62), Temba Bavuma (58), and Tristan Stubbs (58). Several players were retired out to give others time in the middle, allowing team management to test different combinations.

Wiaan Mulder In Contention For New Role In WTC Final Vs Australia

South Africa’s promising batter Wiaan Mulder was sent in at No.3 in the warm-up game but scored just 26 runs before being trapped lbw by Zimbabwe pacer Tanaka Chivanga. 

Despite the modest score, his position in the order suggests South Africa may use him in that crucial top-order role for the WTC 2025 final vs Australia.

South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad has hinted that Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton are likely to open. That leaves the No.3 spot open for either Mulder, Stubbs or Tony de Zorzi. 

De Zorzi batted at No.6 in the warm-up and made 28 before being retired out, suggesting he might be the one to miss out.

Proteas Batting Coach Addresses No.3 Conundrum 

From what was seen in their warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arundel, it appears that Wiaan Mulder is currently favoured to bat at No. 3, with Tristan Stubbs at No. 5 and David Bedingham at No. 6. 

One concern is that Mulder is also a key bowler. If the Lord’s pitch offers swing, his bowling workload could be heavy, and batting at No. 3 might be too demanding. 

Ashwell Prince, South Africa’s batting coach, said they are keeping all options open and want players like Mulder to be ready for any role. He added that they will decide the final line-up only after seeing the Lord’s pitch.